PAS: Who are you?RA: My name is Rj Alvarade and I am a Dallas-based family and senior photographer at my 9-5 job. I also shoot fashion, editorial and glamour photography

PAS: Where are you from?RA: I was born in the Philippines and was raised there for a couple of years then moved to Chicago. I lived in Chicago until my Freshman year of high school then I moved to Dallas, TX (where I currently reside).

PAS: Did you go to school to study photography?RA: I went for a semester in College but after that I studied on my own. I went to workshops and asked questions. I also interned with pro photographers

PAS: How did you get into photography?RA: My father had a film camera that he let me take pictures when I was younger.

PAS: How long have you been a photographer?RA: I have been into photography for 20 years. Professionally, I've been involved in photography for 15 years.

PAS: How would you describe your style?RA: I don't neccessarily have a style. I like to experiment and continue to learn. I shoot random styles - from family to seniors, fashion to editorial and commercial to glamour.

PAS: What sort of equipment and software do you use?RA: Nikon D300, D700 with prime lens from 17-55mm to 70-200mm. I use SB800 flash for shooting as my main light when I want to lighten my gear. I have alien bee 800 and 1600 for more powerful lights when needed. I edit all my stuff with my MAC and teather my camera and macbook pro when shooting. I use lightroom 4 and CS6, but mostly lightroom for editing.

PAS: Where is your favorite location to shoot pictures?RA: It all depends on all the subject and art directors. I have a studio but I also like to travel and see new locations.

PAS: Are you a MAC or PC user?RA: I am a MAC user but I also have a PC for other stuff that I personally built

PAS: What has been your most memorable assignment?RA: My most memorable assignment was when I first started shooting family and senior portraits. I remember this one instance when I was in a family photo shoot. The mother cried and thanked me when she saw her family photo. It gave me a good feeling and sense of accomplishment for that family.

PAS: Do you have published work?RA: PASMAG (print) covered a car show/drift event in Houston. 944 magazine (print) for a fashion shoot I did during L.A. fashion week.

PAS: What would you say to other enthusiast photographers out there who aspire to become a great photographer?RA: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is no right or wrong way to take a picture. We use our imagination to light and paint an image.

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